Highlight • Viewpoint
Rim Village
Hiking
5.0
(20)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
October 6, 2022
Hiking
October 29, 2023
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Rim Village
8
hikers
4.34km
01:15
100m
120m
The Rim Trail and Discovery Point Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Crater Lake's grandeur up close. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with a gentle 316 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along the caldera rim, providing continuous, postcard-perfect views of the lake's deep blue waters and the iconic Wizard Island. You'll wander through fragrant forests of Mountain hemlock and whitebark pine, with the path alternating between shaded sections and open viewpoints, making for a truly immersive experience that takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes.
Access to the trail is convenient, largely paralleling West Rim Drive and starting near Rim Village. While generally considered easy and suitable for all ages, the trail does have some initial hilly sections. For the best experience, aim for an early morning start to catch the lake at its calmest and avoid potential crowds. Be mindful that snow can persist on parts of the trail into early July, and winter conditions can be hazardous with dangerous cornices along the rim.
This route is historically significant, passing Discovery Point, where Crater Lake was first sighted by gold prospector John Wesley Hillman in 1853. It offers a more intimate perspective of the lake than roadside pullouts, with educational exhibits along the way. The combination of easy accessibility, stunning scenery, and historical context makes this one of the top family-friendly hikes in Crater Lake National Park.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
15.5km
04:42
520m
520m
Hike the moderate Dutton Creek Trail in Crater Lake National Park, covering 9.6 miles through diverse forests to the Pacific Crest Trail jun
5.0
(8)
111
hikers
9.11km
02:52
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,170 m
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Tuesday 16 June
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